AS overseas visitors started to arrive in Llangollen for the International Eisteddfod at the weekend, others were given a spectacular send-off in the town.

About 900 people attended a special “party in the park” at Ysgol Dinas Bran to mark the end of a highly successful World Youth Skills Challenge.

Youngsters from Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, Estonia and Yemen had spent the week in the area visiting local attractions and taking part in a series of competitions including art, drama, music, chess, cookery and sports.

And it was fitting that the final party, held on the school playing-fields, which culminated in a massive fireworks display, was arranged voluntarily by an ex-pupil, David Green.

David, 28, who now runs the leading event management company, Xuberance, left Ysgol Dinas Bran 12 years ago and went on to gain a degree in marketing before setting up his own business.

He said: “Even in school I had a passion for organising things and when I heard about the Youth Skills Challenge I was glad to be able to support it and give something back to the community.

“When they asked me to arrange a party I thought ‘Great, that’s what I do’. I wanted to make sure that it was something that everyone involved in would remember for years.”

In the hours leading up to the firework display the youngsters, the families who had hosted them, school staff and everyone who had been involved in the week’s activities, were able to enjoy non-stop activities.

Penybryn Open Farm at Llanfihangel GM put on a display of falconry and birds of prey and the Llangollen-based Airraid motorcycle stunt team showed their skills.

David added: “I have called in a lot of favours, but it’s been well worthwhile.”